What's keeping Syria’s rebel forces from consolidating their power?

The myriad opposition factions in Syria could become a truly formidable force by uniting their efforts, but the task appears insurmountable given geographic and political divisions.
A new coalition of armed groups pose during the statement of the founding of the military council of Al Bab city and its provinces, in Manbij, Aleppo Governorate, Syria August 14, 2016. REUTERS/Rodi Said - RTX2KQNB
A new coalition of armed groups pose during the statement of the founding of the military council of al-Bab city and its provinces, in Manbij, Aleppo, Syria, Aug. 14, 2016. - REUTERS/Rodi Said
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Mona Alami
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BEIRUT — The collapse Sept. 19 of the US-Russian agreement on Syria — which provided for a cessation of hostilities and greater military cooperation between both world powers — followed by a resumption in violence will further fracture an already-divided Syria. Since the 2011 revolution against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad began, powerful and conflicting undercurrents have shaped the country into de facto zones of influence, in its north and south, including around Damascus, with a different power structure emerging in each area.

Syria’s south

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